Natural Gas Vehicle Weight Allowance

For CNG/LNG chassis DOT now allows an additional 2,000 lbs. on the Interstate to account for the fuel tanks.  (It also allows the same amount for electric vehicles).  This is ONLY allowed on the tractor axles, not the trailer.  See attached document.  

Here is the concern:  The weight is only allowed on the interstate, not necessarily on state highways.  Some states have also approved the added weight, but not all.  

Another issue is where the weight is located.  Most of the time, the tanks are placed such that it’s split so since approximately 1,000 lbs. will be added to the steer, make sure you design enough capacity to support the load... in most cases you will need more than a 12,000 lb. front axle rating and 16-ply tires. You still cannot exceed the component rating.

With today's fuel prices, you may not encounter this much, but we still have companies who seek the green image.